Stop the McClinics

As a retired 96-year-old surgeon who practiced for over 50 years, I am, I believe, qualified to read the handwriting on the wall.

I have seen numerous advancements in medicine that defy the imagination. And because of these outstanding achievements, we live longer.

So my gripe is this: To have medical clinics in such places as food and pharmacy giant stores that will provide medical care, diagnosis and treatment for a limited number of diseases, such as the flu, allergic reactions, common cold, bladder infections and sore throats, is absurd.

Imagine the number of these medical providers in Walgreens, Osco, Jewel, Target and who knows, maybe Home Depot, next. In time, they will increase the number of diseases that they will treat.

These clinics will be staffed with special nurses and physician's assistants. They will diagnose and prescribe medications. And, in addition to the few ailments that they are supposed to treat, they will be asked by the patients about other diseases. And since they are in stores that carry medication, they will have an urge to over-prescribe.

There are no such things as minor diseases. Every disease has variations and every person with that disease is different. A simple cold can turn into pneumonia. An allergic reaction can be deadly.

To place your life in the hands of these individuals is asking for trouble. The lawyers will have a field day. Health is too precious to give to these so-called health providers. Stop it before it happens.